Stephen A. Smith took 12 minutes out of Wednesday's "First Take" show on ESPN to address the New Orleans Pelicans social media team after the franchise posted a compilation of Smith's sports fails with audio of him calling Kwame Brown "a scrub" in 2008.
The ESPN segment began with a minute-long flashback of Smith calling Pelicans forward Zion Williamson a "food addict" on Tuesday's show. Then, there was a minute-long introduction of Smith as the Pelicans' video played. What followed was approximately 10 minutes of Smith responding directly to the social media team.
"Here's the thing that really annoys me about the Pelicans," Smith said. "We heighten our level of sensitivity because I pointed out something about the star of your team and the franchise. You want to use that as an opportunity to get at me. Very, very bad mistake on your part, because as a franchise, you don't have the credentials."
Smith clarified the rant was not aimed at Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars, forward Trey Murphy III, forward Saddiq Bey or Williamson. Despite his comment on Tuesday, Smith said he's rooting for Williamson. He also said his rant wasn't directed at the "wonderful" fans nor the restaurants in New Orleans.
The ESPN personality called his success story the "American dream." He explained how he came from poverty and has an educational background that includes getting held back in the fourth grade. Smith also highlighted that despite his minimal impact on the basketball court due to a knee injury, he earned a basketball scholarship at Winston-Salem State University, and he has since climbed to the top of sports journalism from an HBCU.
"By the way, my popularity is higher than anybody on your team outside of Zion Williamson," Smith said. "Again, not throwing shade on the players. Just bringing you facts."
Comparing his career success to the Pelicans, Smith then pointed out that the Pelicans are one of two active NBA franchises that haven't been to the conference finals, with the Charlotte Hornets being the other team.
"Why am I bringing up all of these things, New Orleans Pelicans?" Smith said. "Because you can't [bring up any success] about you. We are approaching the tail end of the season. We are in the month of March. Nearly 65 games have been played, and you're still searching for your 20th victory. Y'all are horrible."
He then concluded the lengthy segment with one last message to the social media crew.
"Again, Joe Dumars is in the house," Smith said. "Times will get better, but your social media team? Get a life."
The response you've been waiting for 👀
—@stephenasmith responds to the Pelicans social media video of him ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/YBbSSdr9tX
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 4, 2026